In December 1998, the first symposium of the
"Asian Raptor Research and Conservation (ARRC)" was held with the
participation of raptor researchers and conservationists throughout Asia, in
Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The ARRC had two purposes. The first was to exchange
and accumulate information and knowledge necessary for conservation of raptors
and their habitats in Asia. The second was to seek a harmonious relation
between raptors and people through appreciation of the value of raptors, in our
ecosystems and nature. At the symposium, 'the Asian Raptor Research and
Conservation Network" was established, in order to promote research and
conservation of raptors in Asia.

The Objectives of ARRCN are to:

Exchange information concerning raptors among its members as follows:Published and unpublished information on raptors, including research methodology,
techniques for habitat restoration, care for injured raptors, etc.Compile a database on raptors, especially on the status of native Asian
raptors.

The database include:The status of raptors in Asia, including their distribution, population,
habitat, ecology, breeding and all other aspects important to their conservation.General references and references on each species.Resources important to raptor research and
conservation, such as a list of experts, institutions and expertise available.

Coordinate the following activities:Research especially on migratory species, as well as common and widespread
species in Asia.Training programs and hands-on training.

Educate the public (community) and training people by:

Reaching the public, training local
residents and communities for raptor research and conservation in their
regions. Production of educational films and documentaries to raise awareness.Organizing workshops and courses to train
interested persons.

Chronology to the establishment of the ARRCN

*May 1992 The idea of the Asian Raptor Research and Symposium was proposed at the
WWGBP Conference in Berlin.

* October 1992 - August 1998 Visits to Taiwan, Indonesia and Philippines to request for cooperation
in ARRC. Attendance at the WWGBP in South Africa to propose the idea of
ARRC. The 'Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network' was proposed.

*December 1998 First symposium of the ARRC was held with participation of researchers
and conservationists of raptors from Asia in Shiga Prefecture, Japan.

*May 1999 The Secretariat of the ARRCN was established in Japan. ARRCN Standing
Committee members were elected among members.

*June 1999 Exchanging information among ARRCN members by e-mail started.

*July 1999 First Standing Committee meeting was held in Taipei, Taiwan. The Information
Center of ARRCN was established in Malaysia.

ARRCN currently has 125 members from 25 countries in China, Estonia, Germany,
India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Netherlands,
Norway, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, USA, United
Kingdom, Vietnam. Three Institutional members are the Philippines Eagle
Foundation, Raptor Research Group of Taiwan and the Peregrine Fund.

ARRCN interim Standing Committee: After the ARRCN was established in Japan in December 1998, an interim
Standing Committee was elected among members in 1999. The Standing Committee's
main function is to promote the objectives and activities of the ARRCN.
Its other role is also to strengthen the foundation and structure of the
network, before the formal establishment of the ARRCN. Standing Committee
members are: Toru Yamazaki-General Manager (Japan) Michiyo Murate-Secretary
(Japan), Mike Chong (Malaysia). Nguyen Cu (Vietnam), Dewi Prawiradilaga
(Indonesia), Huang Kuang-Ying (Taiwan), Hiromichi lchinose (Japan), Takehiko
Inoue (Japan), Lucia Liu-Severinghaus (Taiwan), Vibhu Prakash (india),
and Dennis Salvador (Philippines).

Membership is open to anyone who is involved in, conducting or working
on raptor research and conservation in Asia, or has a keen interest in
Asian raptors. Individual membership fees are US$10 for Asia, US$30 Japan,
US$30 Outside Asia, US$50 Institution in Asia and US$150 Institution outside
Asia.